Early intrauterine cytomegalovirus infection: extreme sequels with good seizure control

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital viral infection in humans with great propensity to infect and injure
developing nervous system. The extent of damage directly depends on the time of infection. In early CMV infections, the extent of
neurologic damage most likely causes fetal death. We present a child with serology indicative of acute CMV infection and neuroimaging
showing signs of early congenital infection. Seizures caused by severe central nervous system damage were well controlled with
phenobarbital maintained within reference values in blood. In conclusion, severe neurologic damage caused by early congenital
CMV infection emphasizes the importance of CMV infection stigmata recognition with early fetal sonography, and in suspected
cases with serology. This case reveals insufficient diagnostic strategies, as well as deficient treatment options including the need for
developing a safe and efficient vaccine. This child is an extraordinary example of surviving infant with extreme central nervous system
damage and good seizure control.

About us

Journal PAEDIATRIA CROATICA is the official journal of the Croatian Pediatric Society and Croatian Society of School and University Medicine. The editor is Children's Hospital Zagreb. It is published four times per year by Children's University Hospital Zagreb, Klaićeva 16, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.Practicing pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists, neonatologists, family physicians, and other health care professionals that have children in their care.